Family-owned Continental Baking Company, under the stewardship of Gary ‘Butch’ Hendrickson, was awarded the Jamaica Business Development Corporation MSME Builder Award. The award, was presented to them at the Ninth Annual Small Business Expo & Conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston last Thursday.
CBC is the leading manufacturer of baked goods in Jamaica, and continues its commitment to contribute to Jamaica’s economic growth under their three distinct brands; National, HTB & HoMade.
For over 60 years, National has manufactured and distributed its baked goods locally, regionally and internationally. Additionally, the company has taken a keen interest in giving back especially to the development of the Micro, Small & Medium-Enterprise (MSME) sector. These efforts have had a far-reaching impact, touching the lives of a ‘National’ family and boasting the successes of promising Jamaican entrepreneurs. It is safe to say that the company’s philanthropic efforts are just as impressive as the company’s extensive product line.
In 2010, the company designed the ‘Bold Ones of Manufacturing’ initiative to support and encourage recently established Jamaican manufacturers. The company goes through a rigorous process of selecting new businesses which are no more than seven years old, employ at least five persons and primarily use indigenous materials to manufacture quality products. Not only were these companies tax-compliant, they all had a compelling story to tell. To date, Continental Baking Company has invested approximately J$120 million through sponsorship to a total of 34 companies. The past awardees were also granted a promotional package which includes exhibits at the JMA-JEA Expos, multi-media promotion and extensive exposure through the ‘mobile’ advertisements with each company featured on the sides of the National trucks.
This year’s Bold Ones took a slightly different format. CBC partnered with Business Access TV, and for the first time, the Bold Ones programme is being televised.
The 2016 ‘Bold Ones’ have been selected and the lineup includes: Coldbush Organics Limited - Producer of Mount Pleasant Farm chocolate and cocoa butter; DeJaFrut- All Natural Sorbet, makers of pineapple, mango, guava, coconut, june plum sorbet; Ettenio - Producer of hair care, bodycare and skincare products; Shavuot International Holdings Company Limited - Producer of moringa tea and powder and scotch bonnet powder; Tritronic Electronics Limited - Makers of digital surge protectors; Turner Innovations Limited - Inventor of sorrel harvesting machine and producers of dried sorrel; Umium- Manufacturers of coconut chocolate spread, coconut almond spread.
Last year, following the success of the ‘Bold Ones’ programme, Continental invited fifty two MSMEs ranging from manufacturers of home and lifestyle products to producers of craft and food items, to participate in a shopping event dubbed ‘A Jamaican-Made Christmas’. The event was conceptualised to assist small and medium-sized Jamaican businesses gain exposure that they may not otherwise have been able to afford and to create a platform for these businesses to reach potential customers.
Collecting the award on behalf of Mr Hendrickson, Stephen Sykes- Director of Operations at CBC expressed how much it meant to him personally stating, “Mr. Hendrickson and I spoke this morning and he expressed his appreciation and surprise. I don’t have much to say because I’m getting emotional.” The organisation received a citation and custom designed award.
In presenting the award to the Continental Baking Company Limited, JBDC CEO, Valerie Veira, said the company has taken note of Continental’s selfless interest in the sector through the implementation of initiatives primarily geared at providing marketing support for entrepreneurs.
...to see a large organisation share this vision to a point where it invests millions to assist MSMEs is heartening and worthy of commendationValerie Veira, CEO of JBDC
Ms. Veira said there is a lot more to do and they want to see as many large organisations, as possible, pick up the mantle and join them in helping MSMEs to grow.
There are more like Continental in the business sector and we also recognize their efforts. This is how we build a nation, each one– teach one.Veira
Twenty Four (24) organisations were also awarded for their contribution to the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) over the past 15 years. The MSME Builder Award forms part of the JBDC’s 15th Anniversary celebrations and will become a key element of the Small Business Expo going forward.
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